Quote:PL – “I am possibly being too cynical. I am currently having my own battles with CASA and while I'm not bitter I have become very critical of the incredible lengths they are going to to embugger the industry. At present I see very little chance of major change in the situation. Although, I have now heard from a couple of sources (definitely NOT reliable though) that Truss thinks well of the Forsyth inquiry and wants to see the changes implemented and that we should watch that space. Mmmmm.......last time I held my breath I was turning blue before I gave in. Not doing that again
Pete – the nail very nicely hit on the head. I did, several years ago realise that the regulations were originally written by men ‘of good will’ and that ‘interpretation’ was allowed some latitude – within common sense boundaries. Even after Peter Illych got busy the practical ‘intent’ of a regulation was used more than the ‘black letter’ legal eagle method. The trend to use the ‘extreme’ limits interpretation which opened the bank account to the legal fraternity, slowly, but surely became the norm. Used as and when required to either promote a ‘favourite’ or to despatch an enemy operation.
You don’t need too go far or dig too deep to find where this practice is used as a weapon; there are managers who encourage it and ‘their’ FOI who actually enjoy doing it. I am certain you know the cases as well as I do and the individuals involved.
Part 61 aside the regulations as they stood, while clumsy, prescriptive and often contradictory could be worked with – until some Inutile FOI decided that a subjective, personal interpretation would ‘satisfy’ CASA. Anyway, before I get too deeply involved, we need to sort out the ‘way’ the rules are used and those who use them. How often do you come across one element with two or perhaps three different interpretations and opinions? How often have you seen a subjective view used against an operator or individual?
The number of instances of this in the PAIN archives is truly remarkable. The Senate through Pel-Air clearly identified the atrocious behaviour of CASA at all levels, particularly of management. Forsyth further defined this and the pressing need to overhaul CASA before the regulations was clearly enunciated. Which element of the Forsyth report made you smile the most; reform of CASA or regulatory reform? I know mate, a no brainer, silly question, but with Skidmore buggering about, lost, clueless and witless the reform of CASA slips quietly into the background; and, it’s this we must try to prevent.
A reform Minister, Board, DAS and COO is needed. Truss seems to want it done, Boyd &Co seem to want it done; industry certainly want to see it done. So who’s left? – you got it; those who created the mess. CASA must be reformed first. Anything else is window dressing, rhetoric and a waste.
Rat catchers required - apply within.
Toot toot.